Willow River girl takes first place

Nearly 9,000 fans cheered on the best amateur talent in the state at the 41st annual Minnesota State Fair amateur talent contest finals September 1 at the grandstand.

Melanie Bratsch of Willow River took first place in the open division with her vocal solo, “The Girl in 14G.” Placing second and third in the open division were dance performances by Alex Shaleen of Lindstrom with a dance solo, “Show Me How To Burlesque,” and BioFreaks of St. Paul performing to “Sing, Sing, Sing.”